Four winners and two losers from Chelsea’s win over Manchester United

Chelsea returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. The report said Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer scored the goals, and that the three points eased the pressure on manager Xabi Alonso after a difficult run of results.

The report argued that the win mattered because of what the points meant for the team and its manager, noting that dropping all three points would have increased the pressure on Alonso. It also said the manager’s half-time talk helped change the team’s performance, and criticised calls to replace him so early in his tenure, given the disruption that could cause to progress.

Among the positives, the report highlighted a Belgian player who completed his second consecutive 90-minute appearance after repeated struggles with injuries. It praised his performance in midfield and his ability to break up opposition attacks and launch Chelsea’s. Another player was also praised for his attacking performance, despite having an effort ruled out and seeing several shots saved by United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

The report praised Morgan Rogers, who beat two defenders before scoring the opening goal, saying it capped an impressive win for him in the match. By contrast, it criticised Wesley Fofana’s performance, noting that he gave United a dangerous opportunity and came close to conceding two penalties in the first half.

The report noted that a Chelsea playmaker’s influence had continued to wane since his return from injury, with his goal contributions and chances created in short supply. It added that one player scored from the penalty spot, but his shot was unconvincing and nearly failed to beat Lammens.